Sadanam Krishnankutty


Sadanam Krishnankutty is a cultural artist and a popular performer of Kathakali, a unique classical dance-drama form of Kerala, South India. A recipient of Kerala State Kathakali award and Kalamandalam fellowship, he is reputed for his skill in donning a wide range of characters in his acts. He received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2007.

Early life

A native of Cherpulassery in Palakkad district, the 1941-born Krishnankutty is primarily a frontline disciple of the late Padma Shri Keezhpadam Kumaran Nair. He had his initial lessons under Thekkinkatil Ramunni Nair, and has also taken eye exercise and Rasa-Abhinaya classes from the late Kudiyattam maestro Natyacharya Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar.
Krishnakutty had his Kathakali lessons at Sadanam Kathakali Akademi east of Ottapalam. He was, for a brief while, Kathakali tutor at the Unnayi Varrier Smaraka Kalanilayam in Irinjalakuda and Kala Mandir in Patna. A winner of the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi award, he is known for his breezy portrayal of roles in classical stories as well as newly staged Kathakali plays.
Krishnankutty lives in Irinjalakuda town of Thrissur district.